Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Drinan, nee Fagan, 96, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed from this life to her eternal life on November 22, 2015. She was preceded in death by Bob, her loving husband of 69 beautiful years. Betty and Bob raised a family of 9 children: Mary (Dick) Wachter, Peggy (David) Hahn, Jean (John) Osborn, Bob Jr. (Mitchell Brown) Drinan, Kathleen (Bill Abrams) Drinan, David (Lynn) Drinan, Dan (Nicolle) Drinan, Patty (Mark) Neterer, Dennis (Sandy) Drinan. Forever the font of wisdom and cleverness, she could recite in infinite detail, events, places, people and conversations with uncontested accuracy, perform household repairs to the embarrassment of her boys and sons-in-law, design a coded system of socks and underwear, prepare the very best home-cooked meals and correct one’s indelicate grammar with mastery and grace. Betty’s faith sustained and nourished her and gave her the courage to face the end with dignity and humility. She will be forever in the hearts of her children, 21 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. The family wishes to thank Sanela Huskic for the compassion, love and tenderness shown both Betty and Bob when their health required skilled, attentive care. Betty was the mother everyone wanted but we were the ones blessed to call her “Mom”. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Wednesday, November 25th at 11:00 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 1935 Plymouth Ave SE, with Father Troy Nevins celebrant. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Members of the family will receive relatives and friends at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Tuesday with a Rosary service at 7:30pm. Donations may be made to the Killgoar Foundation of Immaculate Heart of Mary School or Friends of Marywood Academy (FOMA).
